Myrtle Beach Cycling Event

Sunday, the day following the Myrtle Marathon and Half Marathon was the cycling event:  14, 33, or 63 mile rides to choose from.  Not a race, a RIDE (the announcer insisted).

We found our way to Conway, about 45 minutes from Pawley’s Island.  The race began, on the nose, at 9 am.  Ted was on his bike with the other long milers while Shane and I followed along in the Denali.  We were to meet Ted at the SAG Aid Stations.  Due to some navigation problems on my part, we missed him at the first stop but intercepted before the 2nd stop where he had some “riding fuel” of Gatorade and an energy bar.  It was sunny and about 60 degrees.  

The 3rd station was at the 50 mile point.  Shane and I waited AGES for Ted to get there. I was beginning to wonder if something happened.  Thinking about other bloggers who have done endurance cycling events, real food (not just bars and gels) were appreciated. Not sure it was the best thing to give him, but I bought a sausage, egg, cheese biscuit.  Finally, here comes Ted. 

He had a muscle ache in his leg so I took the wrap off my ribs and Ted wrapped his leg with it.  That worked!  He was muttering  “WHY did I decide to do this? Don’t let me do this again!”  Geesh!  That sounds a lot like the stuff going through my head during a run!   Still, he continued on with only 13 miles to go after enjoying half of the sausage sammy.   

While waiting for the cyclists to cross the finish line, there was talk of no more beer and tents were being taken down.  What a bummer!  However, that wasn’t quite the case.  There WAS still beer and there was a rice, sausage and chicken dish for all cyclists.  Ted enjoyed a plate full of well deserved food with a beer and a half.

It was disappointing that there was no celebration like at the end of a running race.  The event might attract more cyclists if such an after party was offered.  Sue and I were contemplating doing the 14 mile ride as we travelled from Utica to S.C. but were both happy we opted out.  Sue, because she began fighting off a cold and me because the muscle strain over my ribs would not have tolerated any bumps in the road. 

Back to Ted’s ride, he was just a smidge disappointed with his time, just under 4 1/2 hours.  He started off great guns but then tired and ended up averaging about 15 mph.   He saw a wipe out, two disabled bikes, but other than that, it was blue skies, somewhat scenic, a few rough roads, but a perfect day for enjoying the weather while getting a great workout.  That was his longest ride to date. GREAT ACCOMPLISHMENT!

What a weekend we had in Myrtle!  It couldn’t have been more perfect for us, we love to be on the move.  Health Expos.  Running Races. Cycling for miles. Lots of eating, drinking and celebrating.  Who could ask for more.  We’ll be back again but I doubt whether 63 miles of cycling will be on the agenda.  More like 33. 

The agenda this week:

First, recover from the pain in the ribs. It’s better but not 100%. Not sure if I should run before seeing the phys. therapist on Wed.  Not even sure if I CAN run if I want to.  Hamstring has taken the second seat to the “punch in the ribs”.

Second, recover from the horrible cough/cold that , not only Sue picked up but me too! 

Third, catch up with the pile of backlog at work – the real job.